Huang Quan also came from a noble family and had a loyal heart, but he also valued his family more than his own life. If disloyalty led to the destruction of the family, there would be nothing to say. // Welcome to read //.
But there was no reason to argue about imperial power. Huang Quan felt as if he was waiting for his family to be destroyed.
Especially now that the whole court is peaceful and he can't find anyone to discuss with him, this kind of distress makes Huang Quan particularly uncomfortable.
…
At night, Liu Zhang asked three people to enter the small pavilion. The three people were Fazheng, Zhang Ren and Zhe Lanying who had been ennobled during the day.
There is a round dining table in the middle of the pavilion, with wine and food on it.
Fazheng and Zhe Lanying had no scruples and found their own seats to sit casually. Only Zhang Ren was a bit more old-fashioned and felt that Liu Zhang was the emperor now, so even when he sat down, he would sit upright.
"As I said before, you know what I mean by calling you three here." Liu Zhang said.
Zhang Ren immediately said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, Zhang Ren is willing to be the first to request a reduction in title."
Liu Zhang waved his hand: "Let Yueying bring it up. I know that General Zhang is loyal, but you don't know how to turn around. It is said that it is easy to hide from open guns and hard to guard against hidden arrows. If you continue to do this, you will offend the civil and military officials of the entire dynasty.
Moreover, I predict that if I propose to reduce the title tomorrow, there will be a big disturbance, and it cannot be finalized. In order to make me give up the title reduction, of course they will not dare to do anything to me. They will definitely attack you. As long as they frame you, this will happen.
Reducing the title is half of it.
Therefore, the one who takes the lead must be able to withstand the pressure of these people, and General Zhang only needs to agree to it after Yueying proposes it."
Liu Zhang understood the pressure of reducing titles. You must know that people in ancient times cared about a wife.
The civil servants under his command are not saints, nor are they robots of his own making. They follow him regardless of their lives, and none of them do it just for the sake of fame and great cause.
For ancient people, great fame and great achievements are not only about getting a high official position, but also benefiting their descendants. Obviously, a title is the best way to protect your wife and children. This is also what they care about most. Relatively speaking,
Official position is not that important.
Nowadays, the reduction of titles is implemented. Liu Zhang can definitely feel the pressure. Otherwise, with Liu Zhang's surname, he would not have taken such a turn.
Huang Yueying sat next to Liu Zhang and pouted. She was very dissatisfied with Liu Zhang. Zhang Ren was reluctant to use it and let herself take the lead, openly and secretly. Huang Yueying didn't care too much. She would definitely be scolded by the civil and military officials of the court in the future, and she always felt a little uncomfortable.
As smart as Huang Yueying, she suddenly felt that Liu Zhang not only wanted her to attract the civil and military firepower of the entire court. After this incident, it would be difficult for her to serve as an official in the court. It seemed that in order to quell the civil and military resentment of the entire court, her official position would be
Gotta be fucked.
Huang Yueying knew that this was a matter of time. As long as she married Liu Zhang, the harem could not participate in politics. She probably could not keep her official position, but it was two different things to do it by herself and to be forced to do so. How Huang Yueying looked at Liu Zhang now and why she felt dissatisfied with this.
Do people sharpen their heads all day long to harm others?
"Actually, I can take the lead." Fazheng said with a smile. The reason why Fazheng followed Liu Zhang in the first place was just to show his fellow villagers from Fufeng that he was very capable, and to show those fellow villagers who once looked down on him.
Everyone knows their abilities.
Later, the Jiangzhou Massacre began, and Fazheng was just trying to complete the New Deal with Liu Zhang.
Now that he has done everything, whether it is the New Deal or proving his ability in front of his fellow countrymen, Fazheng has no regrets. When the time comes, the civil and military officials of the entire court will hate him, so he will bear the hatred.
After Fa Zheng finished speaking, Liu Zhang saw that Zhe Lanying wanted to speak, so he immediately stopped and said: "I came to you, not for one of you to take the lead. Yueying has the highest prestige among the Sichuan army, and is also very adaptable. She can handle both open and covert attacks.
Not afraid.
And Yueying is going to be my wife soon... Well, although Zhelan is too, but Zhelan leads the alien army and has a sensitive status, Yueying is the most suitable candidate, so you don't have to fight.
I just feel ashamed of you for calling you here..."
Zhang Ren opened his mouth and was about to speak, but Liu Zhang waved his hand to stop him: "I won't talk about Yueying and Zhelan. They are both my Liu Zhang's wives. Fazheng and Zhang Ren have been with me since the battle of Fucheng. Without you,
I can't even capture Jingzhou, let alone Yueying to join us.
Ten years have passed. For your meritorious service, you should have been ennobled with royal titles, but now not only are they reduced to reduced titles, but you are also asked to take the lead. I really feel that I owe you."
"Your Majesty, Zhang Ren only wants to assist Your Majesty and achieve great things in the world. Zhang Ren is already satisfied with what he is doing today. Princes with different surnames opening their own houses to govern the country are not conducive to the authority of the imperial court, and it is also not what Zhang Ren wants in his heart."
Fa Zheng smiled and said: "As long as your Majesty still remembers Jiangzhou Garden, then he will definitely be worthy of Fa Zheng."
"Okay." Liu Zhang breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "I knew you would say this, and I can also tell you frankly that although I am dedicated to the great cause, I am not a heartless and unjust person.
I, Liu Zhang, don’t know how to hide all the good birds in the air. Now that the Han Dynasty is unified, we share the wealth and honor. Come and do it."
"Dry."
Liu Zhang raised his wine glass and drank it down with Fazheng and Zhang Ren. In the past, because the world was not unified, he had never drank so freely. Now he finally relaxed a lot.
Fazheng suddenly said: "Your Majesty, I remember that when we were in Fucheng, Your Majesty controlled the military power of Fucheng officials with just a glass of wine. Now it's our turn, hahaha."
…
In Liu Xun's house, because Zhou Buyi and Cao Chong were about to take up the post of Military Aircraft Department, Zhou Buyi and Cao Chong stayed in Liu Xun's house these days and studied with Liu Xun. Now Zhou Buyi and Cao Chong not only taught Liu Xun some
Things are also friends.
After going to the military aircraft office, I'm afraid I won't be able to enter Liu Xun's palace.
Liu Xun was reading a book aside, and Zhou Buyi was telling Cao Chong a math problem. The two of them were now almost familiar with what Liu Zhang said. On the contrary, from Liu Zhang's knowledge, they felt that there was still endless room for advancement. Anyway, Liu Zhang
It is impossible to teach them anymore. Now the two of them are exploring each other and moving forward."
But suddenly Cao Chong frowned and said to Zhou Buyi: "No doubt, I have been thinking about it for a day. I thought you would speak first, but you never said it. I thought there was something inside, so I kept thinking.
But I still can’t figure it out now.”
"What can't you figure out?" Zhou Buyi asked casually.
"Don't you think the title conferred by the emperor is too high?" Cao Chong said: "It turns out that the military advisor conferred the title of King of Yan. I thought it was too high, but I also knew at the time that it was to cover up the Yanjing project and to facilitate the relocation of the capital.
Moreover, Commander Huang's meritorious service would be nothing if given to King Yan.
But today, four more kings were awarded, Zhang Ren, Wei Yan, Fazheng, Zhe Lanying, King of Qin, King of Qi, and King of Wu. How big of a title are these? They all sit on one side, and the King of Beihai even rules the grassland. Is this really true?
OK?
According to the title division set by His Majesty, the throne is divided into five ranks. Huang Junshi is the first rank, Zhang Ren, Fazheng, Wei Yanzhe, Lan Ying are the second rank, and there are also three ranks of royal titles.
There is no need to think about it. The five tiger generals and the six good generals are third-class nobles. Then there are fourth-class royal nobles and fifth-class royal nobles.
I have no doubt that you gave His Majesty a lot of advice before you surrendered to His Majesty, and then officially surrendered to assist Mr. Xun. If I hadn't doubted you, I'm afraid His Majesty would have been in a mess when he returned to Chang'an.
Moreover, you led an army of 100,000 and were defeated by Zhe Lanying before, and you have been rumored and ridiculed. Coupled with your status as a companion, there is no doubt that you can be crowned a king."
Zhou Buji tapped his forehead: "When you say this, it seems that I can really be a king. I, Zhou Buji, can be crowned king? I really didn't expect it in the past eighteen years. Is there smoke coming out of the ancestral graves?" Zhou Buji
He laughed twice as he spoke.
Cao Chong had a solemn look on his face: "To be honest, I have no doubt that if this kingship really fell to you, would you dare to take it?
Without waiting for Zhou Buqi's reply, Cao Chong added: "I've been thinking about it since the end of the dynasty. When I saw you didn't say anything, I always thought there was something hidden in it, but you never said anything. The more I thought about it, the more I thought about it.
No, if I don’t say it, I won’t be able to sleep tonight. No doubt about it, do you know what His Majesty thinks?”
"I don't know what your Majesty is thinking. I actually feel something is wrong. I didn't say it just because I don't think your Majesty is the kind of person who abuses his title, and he must have some calculations in his heart." Zhou Buji said.
"I can't think of anything to care about." Cao Chong is a smart person, but also a cautious person. He can't think of it himself. It is absolutely impossible to be like Zhou Buji, who thinks that Liu Zhang will definitely consider it and then stop caring about other things.
Already.
Seeing Cao Chong's frown, Zhou Buyi asked: "Cao Chong, what are you thinking about? Are you thinking that your majesty will imitate Emperor Gaozu and cook a cunning rabbit to death as a lackey?"
Let’s not talk about how troublesome it would be to block people like this and then eradicate them one by one. Even so, you have no merit and you will definitely not be able to become a king. What are you afraid of? "
"I..." Cao Chong only said one word and did not say anything. Instead, he looked at Liu Xun who was standing aside. Liu Xun noticed that Cao Chong was looking at him and turned around: "Brother No Doubt, Cao Chong, what are you talking about? I
I know that you are all dedicated to helping me, and no matter what, my father will definitely not harm you, so don’t worry."
When Liu Xun heard what Zhou Buji said about cunning rabbits and lackeys being cooked, he certainly understood these truths and thought that Cao Chong was worried about this, so he was relieved.
Although Liu Xun was not very smart, he had heard Fazheng tell him about his father's surname before. He was taboo on the outside and lenient on the inside, but he was cruel to outsiders, but he was very kind to his own people. For this reason, Fazheng had trouble with Liu Zhang more than once.
Pass.
In Liu Xun's view, Liu Zhang was indeed like this. Although he would be killed if he interfered with the New Deal, apart from this issue of principle, Liu Zhang was still very tolerant, no matter if it was an idiot like Wang Lei or a trafficker and a pawn.
, Liu Zhang could endure it even if he felt very unhappy.
He is far from the tyrant image rumored to be by the outside world.
Zhou Buyi and Cao Chong both knew that Liu Xunhui had misunderstood, and sighed inwardly. In fact, the reason why they were willing to help Liu Xun wholeheartedly was precisely because Liu Xun had one of his greatest advantages, that is, he knew who was good to him.
Just like when Xiao Furong taught him martial arts, he was very reluctant to learn it and hated it, but he also knew that it was for his own good. He has been practicing martial arts over the years. Although he has no achievements, he can still strengthen his body and learn one or two moves.
.
Such a master is worthy of loyalty.
"Cao Chong, I know what you mean." Zhou Buji said. Judging from the look Cao Chong looked at Liu Xun just now, Zhou Buji didn't understand.
If so many titles are sealed, given Liu Zhang's prestige, no one would dare to rebel as long as Liu Zhang is alive. But if Liu Zhang is gone, how can these kings with different surnames still be able to suppress them?
All the troubles were piled on Liu Xun.
Cao Chong was not thinking about anything else, but thinking about Liu Xun. If such a big trouble was left to Liu Xun, it would be the destruction of the surname.
Although Zhou Buyi didn't believe that Liu Zhang would be so confused, he was still a little relieved that he had spent so much effort to seduce Cao Chong with knowledge.
When someone framed Cao Chong, they helped him to increase their closeness. When Cao Chong took charge of the Hebei project, he encountered many difficulties in manpower and material resources. It was Zhou Buyi and Liu Xun who helped him. Otherwise, Cao Chong, a newcomer who took over at such a young age, would not have been able to
So smooth.
But now, he has finally been rewarded. Cao Chong can think like this, which means that he is really helping Liu Xun.
Zhou Buyi suddenly felt as if a big stone had fallen to the ground in his heart. Zhou Buyi had a bad premonition about himself. Zhou Buyi understood the truth that strength is easily broken when he was a child.
And even if those things don't happen, with his own character and no scruples in speaking, just talking about Liu Zhang's "cunning rabbit and dead lackey" is definitely taboo in the royal family. If it were a stern king, he would have long ago
That's it.
In fact, if Liu Zhang hadn't been taboo on the outside and lenient on the inside, I would have died hundreds of times if I said so many taboo words in front of Liu Zhang.
Zhou Buyi knew the reason why Liu Zhang arranged for him and Cao Chong to be at the military aircraft. Although he said nothing during the day and was refuted by Cao Chong, he and Cao Chong both knew that it was to pave the way for Liu Xun.
His personality was really not suitable for assisting, and Cao Chong's personality was obviously different from his own. Cao Chong's thinking was much more cautious than his own. With Cao Chong helping Liu Xun, Zhou Buyi felt very relaxed and at ease.
"But I still think that Your Majesty will not leave such a big trouble for Mr. Xun. Don't worry."
Cao Chong glanced at Zhou Buji. As expected, Zhou Buji spoke without any scruples. If this sentence spread, it would be another source of evidence. However, it was hard to blame Zhou Buji at this time. He just shook his head and said:
"No doubt, we are not stupid, even we can't figure out what His Majesty is going to do. If he really seals the prince tomorrow, it will endanger the country of Han Dynasty.
Didn’t you say that the emperor was taboo on the outside and lenient on the inside? If that’s the case, why couldn’t it be that the emperor wanted to appease those who had made great contributions to the civil and military affairs in the past, so he wanted to enfeoff people?
Well, the emperor is very cruel to his enemies, but he is kind to his own people. Just like you Zhou Buji, you have offended the emperor so many times and never punished you. I think it is really possible to ennoble yourself.
"
"Then what are you going to do?" Zhou Buyi asked. Zhou Buyi always knew that Liu Zhang was rational and would not blindly reward him because of his gratitude for his civil and military achievements. Even if Liu Zhang blindly rewarded him, Huang Yueying and others would advise him.
But today in the court, not only were they not persuaded, Huang Yueying, Zhang Ren and others accepted the reward calmly. This is extraordinary. There must be something hidden.
This is also the reason why Zhou Bujie has been silent.
But now after listening to Cao Chong's words, although the possibility of such abuse of title is very small, if it happens, the consequences will be too serious. Zhou Buyi also wants to hear what Cao Chong plans to do.
Cao Chong frowned and thought for a moment and said, "I think no matter what, we can't do nothing.
According to my analysis, if the rewards are continued like this, after those civil and military officials are sealed, it will be absolutely impossible to recover. Even if there are any back-up moves, they will not be able to use them.
Therefore, if the emperor had any ulterior motives, he would definitely have stopped them during the enfeoffment period, otherwise it would be too late.
But we can't wait for this situation to happen. If we start to think about ennobling titles, we won't have the chance to speak. As long as the rewards continue, it will be impossible to deprive those titles, otherwise it will offend the public.
So we have to stop them before the canonization starts tomorrow. I think we will go to court tomorrow and start a petition to request that the titles of Huang Yueying, Zhang Ren and others be lowered.
If the emperor has any back-up plan, we can be an inducer. If there is no back-up plan, we will dissuade him at all costs."
After Cao Chong finished speaking, he looked at Zhou Buyi intently. Liu Xun also heard that Cao Chong and Zhou Buyi were discussing a major matter, and he came over to listen carefully.
Zhou Busuo put his hands on the table and said slowly: "You are right, as soon as the canonization has started, if we try to stop it, it will be a tiger's mouth grabbing food. Everything will be too late, and there will be endless troubles.
But have you ever thought about the consequences of us asking to lower the title of Huang Yueying and others? That would offend the civil and military officials of the entire court. Anyone who dares to take this advice will find it difficult to gain a foothold in the court in the future, or even..."
Zhou Bujie did not continue. As the saying goes, it is better to violate the law of heaven than to offend the public. Throughout the ages, reformers will undoubtedly die. This is the truth.
As a Han Chinese, it is my highest dream to be knighted. Now if I ask to lower the knighthood of Huang Yueying and Zhang Ren, then it would be equivalent to lowering all the civil and military titles.
This is simply a recipe for suicide.
"I've thought about it, so tomorrow I will remonstrate with the emperor as the commander-in-chief of Hebei Province." Cao Chong said.
Zhou Bujie thought about it for a long time, but he still didn't quite believe that Liu Zhang would abuse the title, but even if there was only one in a thousand chances, the trouble would be endless, and it would still be a trouble for Liu Xun.
Moreover, the time is only fleeting. Once the knighthood starts, no one can interrupt. After the knighthood, all civil and military titles have expired. It would be a stupid joke to ask for reduction of all civil and military titles at that time.
The opportunity is fleeting.
Thinking of the situation where the world is full of kings with different surnames, even if there is only one chance in ten thousand, Zhou Buyi will not allow it.
Cao Chong is right. Regardless of whether Liu Zhang has a back-up plan or not, he should be the first to give advice. If Liu Zhang has a back-up plan, his own admonishment will definitely become a lead-in. (To be continued.